Listen & Lift

Episode 9: Discernment

In this mini episode, we dive into self-perseverance and the power of discernment in shaping our choices. We explore the question, “If it’s what you choose to do, then why make it miserable?” Through a mindset shift and practical insight, this episode challenges the cycle of stress and negativity and offers tools to help you make intentional decisions and fully embrace the journey you’re on.
 

Episode 8: What's going on with my journey..

In this episode, I open up about what’s really been happening behind the scenes in my journey—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I talk about the highs, the setbacks, the moments of doubt, and the breakthroughs that are shaping who I’m becoming.
Join me for an honest, unfiltered conversation about growth, balance, and navigating life while showing up for yourself every day.

Episode 7: Walking Away from Hell..

In this deeply personal anonymous story, a survivor recounts years of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse in a relationship that seemed perfect from the outside. She shares how manipulation and isolation slowly took over her life, the moment she realized her life was in danger, and the courageous steps she took to escape. This episode is a raw, unflinching look at survival, healing, and the resilience it takes to reclaim your life.
A true testament to resilience, hope, and the courage it takes to walk away from what once felt like home.
If anything in today’s story resonates with you, or if you are currently in an abusive situation, you are not alone. You can reach out 24/7 to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1‑800‑799‑SAFE, or text START to 88788.
For sexual assault support, contact RAINN at 1‑800‑656‑4673 or visit rainn.org. Help is available, and you deserve safety and support. These resources are also available in the episode description.
Additional Resources Available
Hotlines & Immediate Help
National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.)
Phone: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233)
Text: “START” to 88788
Website: thehotline.orgProvides 24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and referrals.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
Phone: 1‑800‑656‑4673
Online chat: rainn.orgSupports survivors of sexual assault with confidential counseling.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)
Phone: 988
Chat available via 988lifeline.orgFor anyone feeling suicidal or in crisis.
References
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Violence against women: Fact sheet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women World Health Organization+2World Health Organization+2
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2021, November 25). Research – 2020 saw every 11 minutes a woman or girl being killed by someone in her family. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/unodc/frontpage/2021/November/unodc-research_-2020-saw-every-11-minutes-a-woman-or-girl-being-killed-by-someone-in-their-family.html UNODC+2UNODC+2
Carlson, B. E. (2000). Children exposed to intimate partner violence. Journal of Family Violence, 15(4), 391-411. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/26636285 JSTOR
Resource Center on Domestic Violence: Child Protection & Custody. (n.d.). Co-Occurrence of child abuse and domestic violence exposure. Retrieved from https://www.rcdvcpc.org/co-occurrence-of-child-abuse-and-domestic-violence-exposure.html

Episode 6: Surviving Deployments...

In this episode we share the raw story of a mother navigating life while her partner is deployed. From managing a sick child and personal health struggles to marital challenges and moments of deep despair, she opens up about the overwhelming stress of solo parenting during deployment.
But this story is also about hope and resilience. Through intentional self-care, building a supportive community, and finding ways to help her daughter overcome separation anxiety, she demonstrates that even the toughest times are temporary.
Whether you’re a parent, military spouse, or someone facing life’s unexpected challenges, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone—and that with support, reflection, and small steps forward, life can improve.
To submit an anonymous story, please feel free to contact me through any form of social media or via email at: marycatswilson@gmail.com. Thank you!
 
Resources Available
Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net
National Parent Helpline: 1-855-427-2736
Military OneSource: https://www.militaryonesource.mil
 
References
 Karney, B., & Crown, J. (2007). Families Under Stress: An Assessment of Data, Theory, and Research on Marriage and Divorce in the Military. RAND Corporation.
RAND Corporation. (2012). The Effects of Deployment on Military Families.
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Separation Anxiety in Children.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2021). Alcohol and Stress.
Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, Social Support, and the Buffering Hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310–357.
 

Episode 5: Living with Body Dysmorphia

In this episode, we hear from an anonymous storyteller who opens up about her lifelong battle with body dysmorphia — a struggle that lived silently behind every mirror, every photo, and every compliment she could never believe. She walks us through the moment she realized her relationship with her body wasn’t just “insecurity,” but a constant mental fight that controlled her confidence, relationships, and sense of worth.
She shares the thoughts she never said out loud, the pressure to look “perfect,” and how social comparison fed her obsession. We follow her journey from hiding in oversized clothes and avoiding mirrors… to finding a path toward healing, self-acceptance, and real inner strength.
This episode isn’t about a before-and-after transformation — it’s about learning to live in your body without apologizing for it.
 
This episode also marks a new direction for the podcast — a space where real people can share real experiences, completely anonymously. No names. No judgment. No pressure to have the “perfect ending.”
Just truth.
From grief and mental health struggles to identity shifts, relationships, motherhood, resilience, and growth — these stories are meant to remind listeners that they’re never the only ones going through it.
Everyone has a story.Some stories save other people.
If you’d like to submit your own anonymous experience or story to be featured on a future episode, reach out anytime — this podcast is your safe place to be honest, unfiltered, and heard.

Episode 4: Calories 101: How Do They Really Work?

Think you know what a calorie is? Think again.
In this episode, we break down what calories really are, how to structure a calorie deficit or surplus without losing your mind (or your muscle), and why nutrient quality matters just as much as the numbers.No gimmicks. No starvation talk. Just real, science-backed info that helps you fuel smarter and feel stronger.

Episode 3: My Birth Story..

In this episode, I open up about my birth story in a way I’ve never shared before. From the anticipation leading up to labor, through the unexpected turns and challenges, to the incredible moment of meeting my baby, I walk you through the emotions and experiences that shaped this journey.
It’s a story of strength and vulnerability, of leaning on support when I needed it most, and of discovering how transformative birth can be. My hope is that by sharing my story, other mothers feel seen, supported, and reminded that every journey into motherhood is unique and powerful in its own way.

Episode 2: What you need to change to stay consistent...

In this episode of Listen & Lift, we dig into the real reason so many of us struggle to stay on track with our fitness and nutrition plans: consistency.
The truth is, it doesn’t magically get easier—you get more disciplined. Building consistency is like building any other skill: it takes practice, repetition, and breaking down the habits that hold you back.
We look at the cycle of starting the week motivated, only to lose steam by Thursday when social plans and self-sabotage sneak in. The episode challenges listeners to ask themselves tough but necessary questions:
Am I mistaking avoidance for self-care?
Am I looking for the easy way out instead of taking accountability?
Am I looking for the easy way out instead of taking accountability?
We also reframe stress—not everything that feels stressful truly is. By learning to separate what’s in your control from what isn’t, you can free up mental space and focus on what actually matters.
The takeaway? Stop being your own biggest obstacle and start supporting yourself. No one is coming to save you—and that’s empowering, because it means the only person you need to rely on is you. Your potential is waiting—you just need to become consistent enough to reach it.
 

Episode 1: My Story, My Why, & What's Coming

I’m kicking things off by sharing a bit about my journey, why I started this podcast, and what I hope to bring to you through these conversations. This isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about real, sustainable change in fitness, nutrition, and life.
If you’re ready to get consistent, stay motivated, and feel supported along the way, you’re in the right place.
Thanks for being here — let’s get started!

Welcome to The Listen and Lift Podcast!

Hi, I'm so happy you're here!
This space was created with the hopes of providing you real, unfiltered conversations that challenge you, inspire you, and push you to grow. Because here’s what we believe: wellness starts with a listen—to your body, your mind, your story, and the people who remind you who you really are.
Let's get into it.